How To Be The Church

Now more than ever, the world needs us to let go of our ideas of going to church on Sundays and instead be the Church.

When we look at our diverse experiences with church we’re often left wondering what to do. We can look at what to do in the hard places or what works for someone else. And all of that helps. Yet, we’re still left with a question:

How can we be the church?

What’s the secret?

I’ve thought back on all my experiences and those of people I’ve talked with. I’ve read parts of the Bible and books about the Church. My honest answer to the question of how we can be The Church is probably one you’re not going to like. I say that because I don’t like it sometimes.

Imperfectly.

We are an imperfect group of believers, and it will stay that way until our wedding day as Bride of Christ in heaven. If we’re imperfect, that means we are going to mess up. Sure, we’re going to get parts right, but we’re going to get a lot of parts wrong too.

We’re going to misinterpret, lack understanding, make mistakes, and hurt one another. It’s inevitable. But that doesn’t have to be the only part of our story.

Imperfect is still beautiful

As imperfect as we are as human beings, we are still part of this beautiful body of believers.

We are The Church. No matter how much of a mess we make of it. Our status doesn’t change.

If we can be humble. If we can confess our sins. If we can forgive. All of these things will make it easier, but it still will not solve it all.

Because we can’t do it on our own.

Start with Jesus

In our normal life we can have services and outreach and mission trips. We can have ministries and bible studies and conferences. These are all good and Godly things. But if we do them without God we will never be walking in the fullness He desires for His Bride.

The best way to be The Church is to love Him and love others. Yes, that looks messy sometimes. Yes, we will get it wrong. But when we love Him first we are constantly bringing our broken pieces to Him to be loved, forgiven, and reminded of how to love one another.

There is no perfect way to be The Church because we are not perfect. Choosing Jesus in our imperfection is the answer. Always.